STAUNTON, Va.- Mary Baldwin opened its 2023 baseball season Saturday and the Fighting Squirrels lost to Hampden-Sydney 15-4.

MBU started out strong as it scored three runs in the bottom of the second when a bases-clearing double to right field by Gavin Rush scored Tucker Hensley, Josh Lallo, and Will Earnesty to give the Squirrels a 3-0 lead.  The Tigers fought back by scoring six runs in the top of the third off of three hits and two Mary Baldwin errors. In the bottom of the fourth the Squirrels had two runners on before a diving play by Tigers' center fielder Ty Smith ended the inning. The Tigers scored another six runs in the top of the fifth to lead 12-3. The Squirrels added their final run in the bottom of the fifth when a Noah Kessler double scored Michael Robertson.

Noah Kessler and Gavin Rush both bagged doubles to lead the offense. Walks plagued the pitching staff as the Squirrels issued nine free passes and the defense committed four errors. 

MBU is back in action Sunday when the tean hosts Washington College at 12:00 pm